John L. Hess, 96, of Flandreau SD, passed away surrounded by family at Riverview Healthcare Center in Flandreau, SD, on Thursday, August 15, 2024. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1030 AM, Thursday, August 22, 2024 at Ss. Simon and Jude Catholic Church in Flandreau, SD. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a wake service and rosary beginning at 7:00 PM at Skroch Funeral Chapel in Flandreau, SD.
John was born on July 12, 1928 to Leo and (Margaret) Lucille (Wright) Hess. He was born on a farm near Elrod, SD. Most of his childhood was spent in southwest Minnesota. John joined the US Navy on March 2, 1946 and was discharged from the military on December 31, 1947. Most of his military career was based on Guam.
On July 23, 1951, he married Margery Christensen at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Pipestone, MN. They were married for 56 ½ years. They raised their children in Flandreau, SD, Pipestone, MN and Sioux Falls, SD.
John had many careers: carpenter, Terrace Park Dairy (14 years), Insurance salesman (3 years), owner of several restaurants (30 years), retired, then dealt Black Jack at the Royal River Casino and ended his working career delivering cars all over the United States for Schulte Motors. But his favorite job was being a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather.
In dad’s words---”I bought a place I called Poverty Acres and sold it to Larry and Dianne Staggs. Larry passed away July 7, 2007. To make a long story short, I married Dianne on February 22, 2009. Most men don’t get a shot at two great women. I did!!! Larry’s birthday was also July 12th. I now have three more sons…Jason, Justin and Josh…three dogs and two cats. Yes, it is 2012 and I am still working and golfing!!!” John’s children were ecstatic to have such a loving person, Dianne, become a member of their family.
John was a longtime member of Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, The American Legion and VFW. The St. Simon & Jude Catholic Church was blessed to have him prepare many meals…some of which were breakfasts, dinners and their famous Lenten Fish Fry which John was instrumental in initiating.
Throughout his life he enjoyed fishing, game bird hunting, softball, golfing---or maybe driving around the golf course looking for and retrieving golf balls---and most of all taking his kids swimming, sledding, camping and always winning at cards with his family.
He was blessed with eight children: Mark (Diane), Michele (Michael) Peters, Kristi (Mike) Westerbeck, Jeri Sabie, Tonya, Russell, John Jr. and Paul; three step-sons: Jason Staggs, Justin (Careyna) Staggs and Josh (Heather) Staggs; seven grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren, and many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
John is survived by his wife Dianne, his four daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; brothers, Herbert, Donald (Lucretia); sisters, Frances Kauth and Agnes Kennard, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and his lifetime special friend Jerry Totman.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Margery; sons Mark, Russell, John Jr., Paul; parents, Leo and (Margaret) Lucille Hess; sister Dorothy VanBellinger, and special friend Eddie Hansen.
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